Q:  I'm a high school sophomore from the Bronx.  It has always been my dream to attend Columbia University.  However, I doubt I will ever have a chance for admission.  My cumulative average from freshman year was a 90, and now I have about an 85.  I'm on the football team, student council, NYC Cares volunteer club, and I'm vice-president of a community service club.  I am also taking an AP course.  Despite this, some older friends in college say I should kiss Columbia good-bye because my grades are not good enough even to be considered. This is the basic answer I get from everyone.  Do you still think I have a chance?

A:  I am sorry that there are people who are discouraging you from aiming high.  Perhaps they are trying to protect you from the disappointment you will feel if you apply to Columbia and are not accepted.  But if you don't try, you'll never know.  It sounds like you are working very hard in several areas -- academics, sports, and service -- so you need to find people who believe in you and will give you encouragement.

The reality is that Columbia University is very selective and it is difficult to be admitted.  But each year the admissions office looks for an interesting, varied, and exciting freshman class; that means they seek students with all sorts of different attributes, such as special skills in music, or drama, or athletics, or science.  If you are a skilled athlete, that might get you a close look; share your ambitions with your coach, and enlist him as an ally.  Your leadership will also get noticed.  At the same time, academics come first, so keep your grades up and see if you can get back to that 90 GPA.  Good for you for taking challenging courses -- keep that up as well.  I cannot predict whether you will be admitted -- but I see no reason why you cannot keep Columbia on your list of possible colleges.

That's my point:  you need a list.  Try to analyze what, specifically, it is about Columbia that you admire.  Write down those qualities.  You will find many of these qualities at other colleges as well.  Do not obsess about one school only; instead, try for a set of colleges that will offer you a wonderful educational and social experience.  You have plenty of time to research and explore your options.  And while Columbia is a Division I sports school, bear in mind that there are terrific colleges out there with Division II and III athletics teams that can also offer you an excellent all-around experience.  So aim high, keep up your academics and fine extracurricular activities, and find mentors among your teachers and coaches.  Stay positive and on the track to success!